Furniture system and arrangement thereof

ABSTRACT

A modular furniture system capable of being arranged in different configurations in a settee area of a bowling center, for example, is disclosed. The furniture system includes at least one modular furniture element with a fastening mechanism which includes a first assembly and a second assembly. The first assembly of the fastening mechanism includes an engaging element which extends through at least one component of the first assembly and attaches to a component of the second assembly of an adjacent modular furniture element.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a furniture system and arrangementthereof and more particularly to a modular furniture system capable ofbeing arranged in different configurations in a settee area of a bowlingcenter, for example.

2. Discussion of Background Information

As shown representatively in FIG. 1, a bowling center 10 typicallycomprises a plurality of bowling lanes 12 and seating within a setteearea 16, e.g., the bowlers' area, amongst other features. By way of morespecific illustration, the settee area 16 can be defined as the spacebetween the start of the “approach area” 14, i.e., an area behind thefoul line on which the bowler takes his/her steps prior to deliveringthe ball, to the start of the “concourse area” 18, i.e., the area behindthe lane where spectators sit. It is known that the settee area 16 canhave different dimensions, with common standard measurements being about9 feet, 12 feet and 15 feet. The specific measure of the settee areachanges the possibility to arrange the furniture in this area. Usually,in the bowling centers, the measure of the settee area determines thechoice of the furniture to be applied.

The settee area 16 and the concourse area 18 typically include seating20. As should be understood, spectators usually sit in the seating 20 inthe concourse 18; whereas, bowlers or game participants typically sit inthe seating 20 in the settee area 16. The settee area 16 and concoursearea 18 can also include tables for food and beverages, etc. The seating20 can be representative of chairs, sofas and benches. The seating areacan also include tables for food and beverage consumption includingcoffee tables, personal tables, ottomans and more.

However, current furniture systems within bowling entertainment centersdo not provide flexibility in their arrangements. Typically, thesefurniture systems are fixed to the floor and do not provide anyaccommodations for mixing and matching of different configurations orproviding for the custom needs of a customer. Moreover, no effectivefurniture solution exists for smaller settee areas. Instead, currentsolutions often create congestion in the settee area and consumerconfusion as to what space is available for different bowling lanes.

Accordingly, there exists a need in the art to overcome the deficienciesand limitations described hereinabove.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an aspect of the invention, a furniture system comprises at least onemodular furniture element with a fastening mechanism comprising a firstassembly and a second assembly. The first assembly of the fasteningmechanism comprises an engaging element which extends through at leastone component of the first assembly and attaches to a component of thesecond assembly of an adjacent modular furniture element.

In another aspect of the invention, a furniture system comprises a firstmodular furniture element comprising a first assembly of a lockingmechanism and a second modular furniture element comprising a secondassembly of the locking mechanism. The first assembly and the secondassembly comprise: a cam plate provided on an interior side of the firstmodular furniture element and the second modular furniture element; acam latch exterior plate provided on an exterior side of the firstmodular furniture element and the second modular furniture element; anda fastening system connecting the cam plate to the cam latch exteriorplate on opposing sides of a wall. The first assembly of the lockingmechanism additionally comprises a lockable element which extendsthrough an opening of the cam plate and cam latch exterior plate of thefirst modular furniture element and engages with one of the cam latchexterior plate and cam plate of the second modular furniture element.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a furniture system comprises afirst modular furniture element having at least one contacting surface.The furniture system further comprises a second modular furnitureelement having at least one contacting surface which is structured anddimensioned to correspond with the at least one contacting surface ofthe first modular furniture element such that when placed together theleast one contacting surface of the first modular furniture element isparallel to and contacts with the at least one contacting surface of thesecond modular furniture element to form an uninterrupted singular,unitary furniture element. The furniture system further comprises anattachment mechanism which connects the first modular furniture elementto the second modular furniture element at the contact surfaces.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other innovative aspects, or advantageous features are set outin the appended claims and the technical features and advantages of theinvention are apparent from the detailed description which follows ofpreferred embodiments of it, to be considered purely as non-limitingexamples. The description is made with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a bowling center.

FIGS. 2a-2c show perspective views of different furniture seatingelements in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIGS. 3a-3h show exemplary layouts of sofa arrangements, implementingthe seating system of the present invention.

FIGS. 4a-4e show additional perspective views of the different modularfurniture seating elements in accordance with aspects of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 5a-5c show perspective views of different modular furniture tableelements in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIGS. 6a-6e show combinations of table elements in accordance withaspects of the present invention.

FIGS. 7a and 7b show additional furniture elements in accordance withaspects of the present invention.

FIGS. 8a-8c show various configurations using a ball rack system andtable in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIGS. 9a-9n show different combinations of furniture elements fordifferent settee areas, group settings, number of lanes etc., inaccordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows a latch mechanism used with any combination of thefurniture elements in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows an exploded view of the latch mechanism in accordance withaspects of the present invention.

FIGS. 12a-12g show a sequence of operations for connecting adjacentfurniture elements using the latch mechanism in accordance with aspectsof the present invention.

FIGS. 13a-13d show a sequence of operations for connecting adjacentfurniture elements using an alternative latch mechanism in accordancewith aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a furniture system and arrangementthereof and more particularly to a modular furniture system capable ofbeing arranged in different configurations in a settee area (or otherareas) of a bowling center. For example, in embodiments, the modularfurniture system of the present invention offers many different seatingand table arrangements using various different furniture elements,particularly within a settee area of a bowling center for mixing andmatching of different furniture configurations. It should be understoodthat the furniture system of the present invention can be provided inother locations throughout a facility, e.g., bowling center.

More specifically and advantageously, the furniture system of thepresent invention includes a latch mechanism compatible with differentmodular seating and table elements, thus providing versatility toconnect different furniture elements together for different settee areadimensions and configurations. For example, the furniture system of thepresent invention is configurable with different seating and tablearrangements within any settee area, etc., regardless of available spaceor dimensions. Also, advantageously, the furniture system can be easilyreconfigured within any space and with different furniture elements bysimply using the latch mechanism of the present invention, in order toprovide design flexibility with different seating arrangements.

The furniture elements of the present invention can be, e.g., sofaelements, chairs, coffee table elements, “personal” tables withparticular features and/or a wedge ball rack, amongst other furnitureelements. Accordingly, by using the latch mechanism of the presentinvention it is now possible to provide increased versatility forseating solutions in a bowling center using the many different furnitureelements of the present invention.

Moreover, the furniture system of the present invention allows furnituremanufacturers to produce furniture elements that can be used with alldifferent consumer segments with their requirements of different seatingconfigurations. For example, the furniture system can include very highend furniture elements, as well as other customer segments, e.g., toaccommodate families, group of friends, birthday parties, tournaments,etc. That is, the present invention can accommodate different consumersegments which require different seating configurations and arrangementswhich are easily adaptable and which accommodate predetermined number ofseats and predetermined configurations. In general, the presentinvention can thus provide many advantages and alternatives which arenot currently available to bowling entertainment centers including,amongst others:

1. The bowling entertainment centers can now choose furniture that notonly fits and looks acceptable to certain spaces, but which can beflexibly designed to provide functional areas with modularity needed fortoday's business challenges and to maximize customer comfort;

2. The bowling entertainment centers can choose commercially availablefurniture options that might give them many different furniture elementsto choose from, with the functionally designed for their needs, to holdup in the bowling environment and to look good together; and

3. The bowling entertainment centers do not need to have their furniturecustom-made which is very expensive, time consuming and difficult toobtain support after sale. And, even with very rich custom furniture,the present invention provides the needed flexibility and ease torearrange and configure different furniture elements into differentconfigurations, which is acceptable for the customer.

FIGS. 2a-2c show perspective views of different furniture seatingelements in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Morespecifically, FIGS. 2a-2c show different seating elements which can becombined together to form different sofa arrangements as shown atreference numerals 300 a-330 h in FIGS. 3a -3 h. That is, as shown inFIGS. 2a-2c and FIGS. 3a-3h any combination of a straight singularmodular seating element 200 a of FIG. 2a can be combined with a singularwedge shaped modular seating element 200 b of FIG. 2b and/or a quarterround modular seating element 200 c of FIG. 2c to form various sofaarrangements as shown in FIGS. 3a -3 h.

As should be understood by those of skill in the art and as discussed inmore detail herein, each of the modular furniture elements of thepresent invention can be combined together in different configurationsand/or arrangements using a latch mechanism in accordance with aspectsof the present invention. This being the case, each of the modularfurniture elements, whether it be a seating element (shown in FIGS. 2a-c) a table element (shown in FIGS. 5a-6e ) or a ball rack system (shownin FIG. 7a ) or any combination therefore (as shown in FIGS. 8a-9n )include a least one contacting surface “C” which is structured anddimensioned to correspond with the at least one contacting surface of anadjacent modular furniture element to form an uninterrupted singular,unitary furniture element (see, e.g., FIGS. 9a-9n ). By implementing thelatch mechanism, the different modular elements, e.g., shown in FIGS. 2a-2 c, can be combined in endless combinations of sofa arrangements (somenon-limiting exemplary arrangements of which are shown FIGS. 3a-3h ) andother combinations as shown in, e.g., FIGS. 8a -9 n. And, as discussedherein, by implementing the latch mechanism, each of the differentfurniture elements, e.g., 200 a-200 c, can be fastened together andunfastened easily into the several different modular building blocks,which permits endless combinations of sofa arrangements for settee areaswith different available space requirements. In this way, the modularseating elements can be arranged in many different combinations andconfigurations even after initial installation.

Still referring to FIGS. 2a -2 c, the different modular seating elements200 a, 200 b, 200 c can also include a storage unit (e.g., compartment)210 under the seat, itself. Moreover, the different modular seatingelements 200 a, 200 b, 200 c can include a fully upholstered seat 212;whereas the modular seating elements 200 a, 200 b can additionallyinclude a fully upholstered backrest 214. For example, the seat 212 andbackrest 214 can be padded and covered with different materials. Thepadding, for example, can be a foamed material or other known paddingmaterial. The material for the seat and the backrest can be, forexample, fabric, vinyl, leather or other seating materials known tothose of skill in the art.

FIGS. 4a-4e show additional perspective views of the different modularfurniture seating elements 200 a-200 c in accordance with aspects of thepresent invention. As shown in FIGS. 4a -4 c, the different modularseating elements 200 a, 200 b, 200 c each include a storage unit 210under the seat, itself. The storage unit 210 can store, for example,bags, shoes, or other objects of bowlers, amongst other items. Also, thestraight singular modular seating element 200 a, singular wedge shapedmodular seating element 200 b, and quarter round modular seating element200 c of FIGS. 4a-4e each include a latch mechanism 220. The latchmechanism 220 can be a fastening, attaching or locking mechanism(hereinafter referred to as a latch mechanism), provided with any of themodular furniture elements described herein. The latch mechanism can beprovided on both sides of each of the different modular seating elements200 a, 200 b, and 200 c, to provide the ability to easily combine andreconfigure different combinations of modular furniture elementstogether to form different seating arrangements. That is, by using thelatch mechanism 220 of the present invention, the modular furnitureelements can easily be fixed together in a secure way and reconfiguredor changed into different configurations, without the intervention of atechnician, mechanic or any specialized tools. In further embodiments,the latch mechanism can be a clip which is used to attach modulefurniture elements together.

Referring still to FIGS. 4a -4 d, the modular furniture seating elements200 a, 200 b can also include wheels 230. In embodiments, the wheels 230can be different types of casters, e.g., single casters, dual casters,hooded casters, locking casters, amongst other types of known wheelsystems. In embodiments, the wheels 230 can be provided on the undersideof the modular furniture seating elements 200 a, 200 b toward the backportion thereof. In this way, as specifically shown in FIG. 4b , it ispossible to tilt the modular furniture seating elements in order toeasily move them in the settee area, for example.

FIGS. 5a-5c show perspective views of the different modular furnituretable elements in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Morespecifically, FIGS. 5a-5c show different table elements 500 a, 500 bwhich can be combined together to form different table arrangements asshown at reference numerals 600 a-600 d in FIGS. 6a -6 e. Inembodiments, the different table elements 500 a, 500 b can be a smallquarter round table element 500 a and a large quarter round tableelement 500 b, each with a glide mechanism 510 on an underside tofacilitate movement of these furniture elements 500 a, 500 b. The smallquarter round table element 500 a and the large quarter round tableelement 500 b can also include a shelf 210 and the latch mechanism 220.

As shown in FIGS. 6a -6 e, any combination of a small quarter roundtable element 500 a and a large quarter round table element 500 b can becombined together with the latch mechanism 220 to form countless andvarious different table arrangements. Illustrative, non-limitingexamples of the table arrangements (e.g., arranged at the contactingsurfaces “C”) can be, for example:

(i) a combination of the small quarter round table elements 500 a andlarge quarter round table elements 500 b to form an oval tablearrangement 600 a shown in FIGS. 6a and 6 b;

(ii) a combination of large quarter round table elements 500 b to form alarge circular table arrangement 600 b shown in FIGS. 6c (with anopening 610 in the center);

(ii) a combination of small quarter round table elements 500 a to form asmaller circular table arrangement 600 c shown in FIGS. 6d ; and/or

(iii) a combination of the small quarter round table elements 500 a andlarge quarter round table elements 500 b to form the serpentine tablearrangement 600 d shown in FIGS. 6 e.

FIGS. 7a and 7b show additional furniture elements in accordance withaspects of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 7a shows a ballrack system 700 a and FIG. 7b shows a triangular table (personal table)700 b. The ball rack system 700 a can include a plurality of shelves 700a′ for storage of bowling balls. The triangular table 700 b can includea pedestal 700 b′ which can be raised and lowered (using, e.g., alockable gas spring system) to different heights, e.g., to the height ofthe ball rack or any of the seating arrangements or table arrangements.

FIGS. 8a-8c show various configurations using the ball rack system 700 aand triangular table (personal table) 700 b. Specifically, FIG. 8a showsa combination of the ball rack system 700 a and triangular table(personal table) 700 b nestled between the wedge shaped seating elements200 b, used in combination with the seating elements 200 a and 200 c.FIG. 8b shows a combination of the ball rack system 700 a and triangulartable (personal table) 700 b nestled between opposing wedge shapedseating elements 200 b. FIG. 8c shows the ball rack system 700 aarranged behind the wedge shaped seating elements 200 b, with thetriangular table (personal table) 700 b arranged in front of the wedgeshaped seating elements 200 b.

It should be understood by those of skill in the art that many otherfurniture arrangements are also contemplated by the present invention asshown in FIGS. 9a -9 n. More specifically, FIGS. 9a-9n show differentcombinations of furniture elements for different settee areas, groupsettings, number of lanes etc. That is, FIGS. 9a-9n show exemplarylayouts of a bowling center, implementing the furniture system of thepresent invention. These combinations include, e.g., seating elements200 a-200 c, small quarter round table elements 500 a, large quarterround table elements 500 b, ball rack system 700 a and triangular table(personal table) 700 b in different configurations and combinations.

In particular, FIGS. 9a and 9b show, for example, two different seatingarrangements in a settee area of 12 feet. FIG. 9a shows a two lanearrangement; whereas, FIG. 9b shows a re-combined furniture arrangementembracing six lanes for a group event. As another example, FIGS. 9c-9eshow different furniture arrangements for a settee area of 9 feet. Inthese arrangements, FIG. 9c shows a two lane arrangement (with the sofacombination in a shorter configuration than in the previous example);whereas, FIG. 9d shows a re-combined furniture arrangement embracingfour lanes and FIG. 9e shows a re-combined furniture arrangementembracing six lanes.

FIGS. 9f-9n show additional examples of re-combinations of the furnitureelements in accordance with aspects of the present invention, based ontwo, four and six lane accommodations. In particular, FIGS. 9f, 9i and9l show two lane arrangements; whereas, FIGS. 9g, 9j and 9m showrespective re-combined furniture arrangements embracing four lanes andFIGS. 9h, 9k and 9n show respective re-combined furniture arrangementsembracing six lanes.

Accordingly, in view of the description herein it should now beunderstood that the present invention contemplates a furniture systemwherein a first modular furniture element and the second modularfurniture element are seating elements and the seating elements providedifferent shaped arrangements when connected (see, e.g., FIGS. 9a-9n ).In alternative embodiments or combinations thereof, the first modularfurniture element can be a seating element and the second modularfurniture element can be a bowling ball table (see, e.g., FIGS. 9a-9n ).Moreover, in alternative embodiments or combinations thereof, the firstmodular furniture element and the second modular furniture element canbe table elements, and the table elements provide different shapedarrangements when connected (see, e.g., FIGS. 6a-6e and 9a-9n ). Inalternative embodiments or combinations thereof, the first modularfurniture element can be a seating element, the second modular furnitureelement can be a table element and another seating element can beprovided that has at least one contacting surface “C” which isstructured and dimensioned to correspond with the least one contactingsurface “C” of either of the other modular furniture element such thatwhen placed against the least one contacting surface “C” of the othermodular furniture element it is parallel to and contacts therewith toform a combination of seating element, table element and seating elementarrangement (see, e.g., FIGS. 9a-9n ). In yet still furthercombinations, the first modular furniture element and the second modularfurniture element can be seating elements, and another seating elementis provided which has at least one contacting surface “C” which isstructured and dimensioned to correspond with the least one contactingsurface “C” of the second modular furniture element or first modularunit, such that when placed against the least one contacting surface “C”of such unit, it is parallel to and contacts with the at least onecontacting surface to form a combination of a three seating elementarrangement (see, e.g., FIGS. 9a-9n ). Additionally, it is should beunderstood that the attachment mechanism can be a locking element havingcomponents attached to both the first modular furniture element and thesecond modular furniture element (see, e.g., FIGS. 11-13 d); that is,the locking element can be a cam latch system or a threaded systemcomprising a bolt and screw component.

FIG. 10 shows a latch mechanism used with any combination of thefurniture elements in accordance with aspects of the present invention.In particular, the latch mechanism 220 shown in FIG. 10 includes a camlatch plate assembly 1000 and a cam latch plate assembly 1000 a, mountedon opposing sides of a respective furniture element, e.g., seatingelements 200 a-200 c, small quarter round table elements 500 a, largequarter round table elements 500 b and ball rack system 700 a.

The cam latch plate assembly 1000 and the cam latch plate assembly 1000a each includes a cam plate 1005 provided on an interior side of afurniture element and a cam latch exterior plate 1010 provided on anexterior side of the furniture element. In embodiments, the cam plate1005 and the cam latch exterior plate 1010 are connected to one anotherby a fastening system 1015, e.g., anchor system, nut and bolt system,rivets, etc., extending through a wall of the respective furnitureelement. In embodiments, the cam plate 1005 includes an opening 1020aligned with a keyed opening 1020 a of the cam latch exterior plate1010, e.g., for each furniture element and for adjacent furnitureelements. The cam latch plate assembly 1000 a also includes a cam latchthrust plate 1030, which includes an opening 1030 a aligned with theopenings 1020, 1020 a.

Still referring to FIG. 10, a cam lock pin 1035 is extendable throughthe openings 1020, 1020 a and 1030 a, and is rotatable by use of a hingemounted handle 1040. In embodiments, the handle 1040 includes a profile1040 a, e.g., cavity or detent, that mates with a cam latch holder 1045,when in a locked position. More specifically, the detent or cavity 1040a of the handle 1040 can include a friction grip 1040 a′, e.g., ribbedsurface, which engages with the cam latch holder 1045 to ensure a tightfrictional fit.

FIG. 11 shows an exploded view of the latch mechanism 220 in accordancewith aspects of the present invention. In embodiments, the cam latchplate assembly 1000 and the cam latch plate assembly 1000 a eachincludes the cam plate 1005 with the opening 1020 aligned with the keyedopening 1020 a of the cam latch exterior plate 1010. In embodiments, thekeyed opening 1020 a includes, for example, a slotted section 1020 a′with an elongated cross sectional profile. The cam plate 1005 and camlatch exterior plate 1010 are connected to one another by the fasteningsystem 1015, e.g., anchor system, nut and bolt system, rivets, etc.

The cam latch plate assembly 1000 a also includes the cam latch thrustplate 1030. In embodiments, the cam latch thrust plate 1030 is attachedto the cam plate 1005 by, for example, screws, rivets or other fasteningdevices 1030′. A cam latch tee pin guide 1050 is disposed between thecam plate 1005 and cam latch exterior plate 1010 of the cam latch plateassembly 1000 a. In embodiments, the cam latch tee pin guide 1050includes a guide wall 1055, which is structured to maintain alignment ofa key or pin portion 1035 a extending outwardly from an end of the camlock pin 1035 with the slotted sections 1020 a′ of the keyed openings1020 a. In this way, the key portion 1035 a of the cam lock pin 1035 canbe inserted through the keyed openings 1020 when assembling ordisassembling the furniture elements into different configurations. Inthe locked position, the cam lock pin 1035 is inserted through theslotted sections 1020 a′ and then rotated 90 degrees, resulting in thekey portion 1035 a being misaligned with the slotted sections 1020 a′and hence locked behind the cam latch exterior plate 1010. That is, thekey portion 1035 a will contact a surface of the cam latch exteriorplate 1010, resulting in a locked state.

Referring still to FIG. 11, the cam lock pin 1035 includes a hingedportion 1035 b, connecting a first section 1035′ to a second section1035″. In embodiments, the first section 1035′ is shorter than thesecond section 1035″. The handle 1040 is hingedly attached to the secondsection 1035″ of the cam lock pin 1035. The handle 1040 includes adetent or cavity 1040 a which has a cross section corresponding to thatof the cam latch holder 1045. The detent or cavity 1040 a can alsoaccommodate the second section 1035″ of the cam lock pin 1035. Thehandle 1040 also includes a cam portion 1040 b, e.g., protuberance.

FIGS. 12a-12g show a sequence of operations for locking or fasteningtogether adjacent furniture elements using the latch mechanism 220 inaccordance with aspects of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 12ashows the latch mechanism 220 in an unlatched and closed state. Inparticular, in this representation, the two furniture elements, e.g.,any combination of the modular elements 200 a, 200 b, 200 c, 500 a and500 b, are detached from one another, e.g., positioned remotely withrespect to one another, and the detent or cavity 1040 a of the handle1040 is engaged with the cam latch holder 1045. In this position, thekey portion 1035 a of the cam lock pin 1035 is remotely positioned fromthe slotted section 1020 a′ of the cam latch exterior plate 1010 of bothfurniture elements. Also, in this position, the second section 1035″ ofthe cam lock pin 1035 is positioned within the detent or cavity 1040 aof the handle 1040. The orientation of the second section 1035″ of thecam lock pin 1035 can be achievable due to the hinged portion 1035 b ofthe cam lock pin 1035. Also,

In FIG. 12b , the two furniture elements are moved towards one anothersuch that the cam latch exterior plate 1010 of each furniture element isaligned with one another. In this way, the keyed openings 1020 a arealso aligned.

In FIG. 12c , the handle 1040 is pivoted into the open position, e.g.,the handle 1040 is no longer engaged with the cam latch holder 1045. Inthis state, the second section 1035″ of the cam lock pin 1035 will alsopivot such that the first section 1035′ and second section 1035″ of thecam lock pin 1035 are in axial alignment. The pivoting of the secondsection 1035″ is achievable using the hinge 1035 b between the firstsection 1035′ and second section 1035″.

In FIG. 12d , the handle 1040 is rotated 90 degrees such that the keyportion 1035 a of the cam lock pin 1035 is aligned with the slottedsections 1020 a′ of the keyed openings 1020 of each cam latch exteriorplate 1010 of adjacent furniture elements. In FIG. 12e , the handle 1040is pushed inward such that the key portion 1035 a of the cam lock pin1035 extends through the slotted sections 1020 a′ of the keyed openings1020 of the cam latch exterior plate 1010 of adjacent furnitureelements. In FIG. 12f , the handle 1040 is rotated to its originalorientation, e.g., backwards 90 degrees, such that the key portion 1035a of the cam lock pin 1035 is now misaligned with the slotted sections1020 a′ of the keyed openings 1020. That is, the key portion 1035 a ofthe cam lock pin 1035 is now locked behind of the cam latch exteriorplate 1010 of the adjacent furniture element.

In FIG. 12g , the handle 1040 is pivoted into the closed, lockedposition, e.g., the handle 1040 is engaged with the cam latch holder1045. As shown in FIG. 12g , the handle 1040 is of such a length that itwill still mate with the cam latch holder 1045, in the locked state. Inthe closed position, the cam portion 1040 b of the handle 1040 willexert pressure or force on the cam latch thrust plate 1030 which, inturn, will move the furniture elements together and also ensure that thehandle 1040 remains in a locked position. Disassembly of the furnitureelements can be achieved by reversing the sequence of events.

FIGS. 13a-13d show a sequence of operations for connecting adjacentfurniture elements using an alternative latch mechanism in accordancewith aspects of the present invention. For example, the alternativelatch mechanism 220′ includes a cam latch exterior plate 1010 and camplate 1005′ attached on opposing sides of a furniture element, using thefastening system 1015, e.g., anchor system, nut and bolt system, rivets,etc. In embodiments, the cam latch exterior plate 1010 is provided onthe exterior side of the furniture element; whereas, the cam plate 1005′is provided on the interior side of the furniture element. The cam plate1005′ includes an opening 1005 a aligned with an opening 1020 of the camlatch exterior plate 1010. The opening 1005 a of the cam plate 1005′includes a thread 1005 a′ which engages with a threaded portion 1300′ ofa bolt 1300. The bolt 1300 also includes a handle 1300″.

As shown in FIG. 13a the latch mechanism 220′ is in an unlatched state.In particular, in this representation, the two furniture elements, e.g.,any combination of the modular elements 200 a, 200 b, 200 c, 500 a and500 b, are detached from one another, e.g., positioned remotely withrespect to one another, and the threaded portion 1300′ of the bolt 1300is not threaded to the thread 1005 a′ of the cam plate 1005′. It shouldbe understood by those of skill in the art, though, that the threadedportion 1300′ of the bolt 1300 can be threaded to the thread 1005 a′ ofthe nearest cam plate 1005′ and still be in the unlatched state.

In FIG. 13b , the threaded portion 1300′ of the bolt 1300 can bethreaded through the thread 1005 a′ of the nearest cam plate 1005′,remaining between the cam plate 1005′ and the cam latch exterior plate1010 of the first furniture element. As shown in FIG. 13c , the twofurniture elements are moved together, e.g., towards one another, andthe bolt 1300 is inserted through the aligned openings 1020 of adjacentcam latch exterior plates 1010. As shown in FIG. 13d , the handle 1300″is rotated in order to screw the threaded portion 1300′ of the bolt 1300into the threaded portion 1005 a″ of the cam plate 1005′″ of theadjacent furniture element. By rotating the bolt 1005, the furnitureelements will move together and be in a locked position. Disassembly ofthe furniture elements can be achieved by reversing the sequence ofevents.

Accordingly, the present invention contemplates a method of arrangingthe modular furniture units, as should already be understood in view ofthe above description. In embodiments, for example, the method includesarranging a first modular furniture unit (e.g., ball rack systemtriangular table (personal table) or any of the seating element)adjacent to a second modular furniture unit (e.g., ball rack systemtriangular table (personal table) or any of the seating element) suchthat a first portion of a fastening (locking or attaching) mechanismarranged on the first modular furniture unit aligns with a secondportion of the fastening (locking or attaching) mechanism arranged onthe second modular furniture. The method further includes engaging thefirst portion of the fastening (locking or attaching) mechanism arrangedon the first modular furniture unit with the second portion of thefastening (locking or attaching) mechanism arranged on the secondmodular furniture unit. The method further includes attaching or lockingthe first portion of the fastening (locking or attaching) mechanismarranged on the first modular furniture unit to the second portion ofthe fastening (locking or attaching) mechanism arranged on the secondmodular furniture unit to form a single furniture unit comprising thefirst modular furniture unit and the second modular furniture unit. Inembodiments, the fastening (locking or attaching) mechanism can simplybe a clip or other component to ensure that the modular units remaintogether.

As should be understood by those of skill in the art, any of thefurniture configurations of the present invention can be provided in thesettee area, depending on the dimensions of the settee area and otherfurniture elements placed therein. In this way, the furnitureconfigurations of the present invention can answer to the severaldifferent needs of the entertainment bowling centers. That is, dependingon the needs of the bowling center, the furniture configurations can beconfigured to have different number and types of seats in combinationwith different tables, including those discussed above. In this way, theconfigurability of the furniture elements of the present inventionpermits the bowling center to create many different seatingconfigurations, using in the best way the specific size of the setteearea and answering to the specific needs of the center.

It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided merely forthe purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limitingof the present invention. While the present invention has been describedwith reference to an exemplary embodiment, it is understood that thewords which have been used herein are words of description andillustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made,within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and asamended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the presentinvention in its aspects. Although the present invention has beendescribed herein with reference to particular means, materials andembodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to theparticulars disclosed herein; rather, the present invention extends toall functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as arewithin the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A furniture system comprising: a first modularfurniture element having at least one contacting surface; a secondmodular furniture element having at least one contacting surface whichis structured and dimensioned to correspond with the at least onecontacting surface of the first modular furniture element such that whenplaced together the least one contacting surface of the first modularfurniture element is parallel to and contacts with the at least onecontacting surface of the second modular furniture element to form anuninterrupted singular, unitary furniture element; and an attachmentmechanism which connects the first modular furniture element to thesecond modular furniture element at the contact surfaces.
 2. Thefurniture system of claim 1, wherein: the first modular furnitureelement and the second modular furniture element are seating elements;and the seating elements provide different shaped arrangements whenconnected.
 3. The furniture system of claim 1, wherein the first modularfurniture element is a seating element and the second modular furnitureelement is a bowling ball table.
 4. The furniture system of claim 1,wherein: the first modular furniture element and the second modularfurniture element are table elements; and the table elements providedifferent shaped arrangements when connected.
 5. The furniture system ofclaim 1, wherein the first modular furniture element is a seatingelement, the second modular furniture element is a table element andfurther comprising another seating element that has at least onecontacting surface which is structured and dimensioned to correspondwith the least one contacting surface of the second modular furnitureelement such that when placed against the least one contacting surfaceof the second modular furniture element is parallel to and contacts withthe at least one contacting surface of the second modular furnitureelement to form a combination of seating element, table element andseating element arrangement.
 6. The furniture system of claim 1, whereinthe first modular furniture element and the second modular furnitureelement are seating elements, and further comprising another seatingelement that has at least one contacting surface which is structured anddimensioned to correspond with the least one contacting surface of thesecond modular furniture element such that when placed against the leastone contacting surface of the second modular furniture element isparallel to and contacts with the at least one contacting surface of thesecond modular furniture element to form a combination of a threeseating element arrangement.
 7. The furniture system of claim 1, whereinthe attachment mechanism is a locking element having components attachedto both the first modular furniture element and the second modularfurniture element.
 8. The furniture system of claim 1, wherein thelocking element is a cam latch system or a threaded system comprising abolt and screw component.